Tortuga Lodge and Gardens

The Tortuga Lodge is a one of a kind experience. We used their transfer from the dock at La Pavona. From the time we stepped on the boat we were treated like first class guests. Our captain and first mate both made sure to point out the different animals to see on the boat ride to the lodge. The staff at the lodge is extremely helpful in coordinating activities and even coordinating boat trips to town of Tortuguero, which saved us a bunch of money in water taxi fees. The rooms are amazing. The view and wildlife on site are amazing. There is no a/c which I read some negative reviews about, but we didn't seem to need it. There are no windows, only screens so there is a breeze and the rooms don't get hot and stuffy. I wish we had more than 2 nights. The menu is limited, but a short boat ride to Tortuguero and there are plenty of dining options. The kids enjoyed playing in the pool and I enjoyed reading in the hammock house. My kids were able to fish off their little pier and they provide everything, the poles and bait, but be careful, there are a lot of puffer fish and they are quite toxic. We hiked the property and glad we took up the offer for their supplied rubber boots because it is muddy! Also, they have a supply of sunblock and bug spray for guests to use. And boy, the bug spray was quite handy during the hike. I would love to come back in the future.

We had a lovely family holiday at Tortuga lodge for 2 nights. The hotel is set in a forest surrounding with beautiful gardens and a nature reserve behind. There is plenty of flora, fauna and wildlife. The breakfast and dinner was good with vegetarian options. The staff are friendly and helpful. There is no air conditioning in the rooms and it can get very hot in the night. You have to use the hotel water boat if available or a water taxi to go anywhere. We got on a packed public water taxi from Pavona dock for $10pp to Tortuguero town and then asked the taxi to drop us off to the hotel for $5 extra. Our return transfer was organised by the hotel and was very efficient. Overall a wonderful stay at the hotel. There was no network service but the wifi was good. The hotel can organise a lot of activities for those who want to do them.